Behavior Specialist

Ensures people are supported in a manner which honors the company’s mission and philosophy through the development of the customized support plan (CSP) and training of the direct support professionals in its use. Provides instruction, direction, coaching, and support to direct care professionals of the residential program. Works collaboratively and openly as part of an interdisciplinary team with program specialists to ensure the implementation of best practices and person directed services.

Mission and Philosophy

• Utilizes positive approaches in every interaction with all direct support professionals, program specialists, behavior specialists, managers, directors, and people supported.
• Ensures that the wishes, hopes, dreams, and fears of each person supported are respected, and that their rights are honored across all settings.
• Performs all job duties with the understanding that their highest priority is what is most important to the person supported.
• Communicates as needed with all team members [i.e., person supported, direct support professionals, family members, advocates, support coordinators, therapists, and other providers] to ensure quality services and collaboration.
• Acts as a positive role model and demonstrates professionalism, dignity, and respect towards the people supported, co-workers, management, and other associates both within and outside the organization.
• Provides ongoing clinical consultation, training, and guidance to the direct support professionals. Ensures all team members are working towards the person’s vision of a meaningful and everyday life.
• Carries out all planning, development, prevention and intervention strategies using a restraint free and least restrictive methodology.

Licensing and Contractual Compliance

• Attends psychiatric/psychological consults as necessary.

• Monitors and evaluates services and supports provided to the person.
• Coordinates the training of direct service workers on the customized support plan anytime an update is made to the document or supports being provided.
• Meets with people supported and their teams, as determined by the clinical manager. Prepares and submits corresponding paperwork to clinical manager by required deadlines.
• Provides training to staff in implementation of the Customized Support Plan, fade requirements, Individualized Support Plan, positive approaches and risk management plan, dietary needs, and medical plans.

Administrative

• Participates as a trainer on program specific trainings as assigned.
• Chairs or co-chairs comprehensive groups and activities.
• Develops the Customized Support Plan (CSP) and quick sheet in conjunction with the support team and trains all direct support professionals on its use.
• Seeks out and participates in training (minimum of 24 hours yearly) and other educational opportunities that contribute to professional growth.
• Provides both direct and consultative supports to the person supported and his or her team

• Provides 24 hour on-call clinical consultation to direct support professionals and program specialists during rotating designated periods.

• Complete a Behavioral Specialist Supports Scale (BSSS) for each person supported as needed to assist in providing appropriate supports.

• Develops additional resources, plans, and completes assessments to address identified needs of the person supported. This may include tools such as but not limited to:

  • PRN Protocols

  • Communication Systems

  • PECS

  • Restrictive Procedure Plan

  • Refusal Plan

  • Risk management plan

• Performs other duties as requested by the Clinical Manager.

Financial Management

• Correctly and accurately completes and submits by stated deadline, InVision Customized Services required information such as timesheets, mileage documentation, expense reports as well as any personal information required by federal, state or local doctrines, such as verification of driver’s license, physical exam and vehicle insurance
• Reports immediately any discrepancies related to the use of personal or company funds.

Behavior Requirements:

The following constitute the behavior expectations the company has for each employee:

• Treats everybody with dignity and respect
• Is honest and trustworthy
• Respects authority and the chain of communication
• Exhibits a willingness and desire to learn about the company and its philosophies
• Exhibits empathy
• Respects others opinions, beliefs and position on a matter, even if it contradicts his/her own
• Understands the importance of, and practices respectful disagreement
• Follows fundamental business etiquette and protocols
• Complies with all policies and regulations
• Projects a positive attitude and image of the company internally and externally

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position has no direct or indirect reports. While the position does not have direct reports, at times there may be a need to lead and direct other staff, some occupying equivalent or higher level positions in the company, on an interim or project basis. The position may contribute to the overall performance evaluation of staff as it pertains to the clinical aspect of an employee’s job responsibilities.

  
  QUALIFICATIONS

  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required, as well as any physical requirements. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions.

  EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  A master’s degree or above in Social Work, Psychology, Education from an accredited college or university and 2 years work experience working directly with persons with developmental disabilities.

  OR

  A bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education from an accredited college or university and 4 years work experience working directly with persons with developmental disabilities.

   

  Direct experience writing individual support plans to address medical, health, safety, psychiatric, behavioral, social and vocational outcomes strongly preferred. Knowledge of the general workings of federal, state and county social services networks and funding sources preferable. The incumbent must have a working knowledge of positive and person-centered approaches and embrace the right of all people to have full and meaningful lives.

   

  Other Requirements:

   

• Extensive local travel.
• Staff hired will be at least twenty-one years of age and will have received Acts 33 and Criminal clearances. All staff will be routinely screened for exclusion from participation in Federal Health Care Programs.
• Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance and access to a vehicle.
• Maintain training compliance as defined in all pertinent regulations.
• Ability to comprehend access and utilize electronic medium and various computer programs.
• Ability to effectively present information, write reports and respond to questions from clients, families and staff.